What are ceiling studs called?

Author: Frank Kerluke  |  Last update: Monday, February 2, 2026

Ceiling joists are kind of like studs for your ceiling. These horizontal boards form the framing for your ceiling, and they are generally set in intervals of either 16 inches or 24 inches.

What is ceiling framing called?

Ceiling Joists are structural framing members that support anything attached or mounted to the ceiling, including drywall or other finishes, light fixtures, air vents, smoke alarms, security cameras, fire sprinkler systems, etc.

What are the boards above a ceiling called?

Ceiling joists

These boards are generally 2”x6” boards, up to 2”x12” and are located directly above the drywall ceiling. They will run across the ceiling of each room and be supported on each end by a wall. They are stood up on their thin edge and will usually have some sort of insulation between them.

What is a ceiling support called?

joist, ceiling or floor support in building construction. Joists—of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete—are laid in a parallel series across or abutting girders or a bearing wall, to which they are attached, usually by metal supports called joist hangers, or anchors.

What do you call ceiling studs?

Ceiling joists are kind of like studs for your ceiling. These horizontal boards form the framing for your ceiling, and they are generally set in intervals of either 16 inches or 24 inches.

How to locate ceiling joists - the easy way

What is the difference between a ceiling joist and a truss?

Joists are crucial for creating a sturdy and level surface but do not offer the same design flexibility as trusses. One of the primary advantages of using ceiling trusses is that they can span greater distances without additional supports, making them ideal for open floor plans.

What is the difference between a stud and a joist?

Joists – are supportive timbers which the flooring is fixed to. You can see the joists here on this image – they run horizontally at floor level. Studs – are a vertical framing usually made of timber or steel which forms part of a wall or partition.

What are the wood beams on the ceiling called?

The wooden beams on ceilings can have a few different names. If they're structural supports, they're either joists or rafters; joists are horizontal, running across a ceiling to help hold it up, while rafters are sloped to run along the pitch of the roof.

What is a ceiling attached to?

Ceiling joists provide a structure to attach a ceiling to.

If you want a ceiling, there needs to be something to hang it from. Ceiling joists are designed to support the loads a ceiling will place on it.

What is a joist support called?

Blocking. Blocking supports joists and other components of a deck. You can make them from either wood or steel. It's usually installed between joists or at the ends of the joists to prevent them from moving. If you're building a deck with more than one level, blocking supports the beams that connect each level.

What are ceiling boards called?

Drywall: A paper-covered panel with a gypsum core used as the interior wall and ceiling facing in most homes.

What are the parts of a ceiling called?

The parts that make up your ceiling are . The joists, the noggins or struts, lateral restraints , insulation and ceiling board ,coving .

What is the difference between studs and furring?

Unlike studs, your beams serve as the termination of your furring channel, making furring a wall an entirely distinct operation. Furring a ceiling is an excellent technique to finish soundproofing your lower floors. Much of this is due to an understanding of the Sound Transmission Class rating.

What are the timbers in the ceiling called?

Joist, Ceiling. The timber used in the roof structure to support the ceiling battens and ceiling only. Ceiling joist do not carry any weight from the roof. Joist, Floor. The horizontal timber members used for supporting flooring or decking and in turn supported by the bearer(s).

What are the short studs under a sill called?

The studs under a window frame are called cripple studs. Cripple studs are those that are cut short to install a window or a door in a wall frame.

What are the wood boards on the ceiling called?

Wood planks on ceilings have various names, some common names are tongue and groove, beadboard, and shiplap.

What are the boards around the ceiling called?

Ceiling moulding, also known as crown moulding or cornice, runs along the top of a room where the wall meets the ceiling. It softens the transition from wall to ceiling. Crown moulding can be simple or intricately detailed. These types of moulding trim can make a room look polished.

What holds up a ceiling?

Joists and beams create the ceiling of a room, and support the ceiling cladding (the part that's visible). Ceiling joists also help to anchor the walls to prevent them from collapsing inwards or outwards, and help to keep the roof up.

What are the 3 types of studs?

What Are Some Different Types of Stud Fasteners?
  • Fully threaded stud – This is the most common, recognizable type of stud. ...
  • Double-end stud – This type of stud has threading at each end and an unthreaded body in the middle. ...
  • Hex stud – This type of stud is threaded at both ends, but has a hex or collar in the middle.

What does a ceiling joist look like?

Ceiling joists are horizontal structural elements that span across a room, running parallel to the floor and the roof. They are typically made of wood, though steel or engineered wood can also be used in some cases.

What is the space between floor and ceiling called?

Space between the structural ceiling and the dropped ceiling or under a raised floor is typically considered plenum; however, some drop-ceiling designs create a tight seal that does not allow for airflow and therefore may not be considered a plenum air-handling space.

Is a ceiling joist a stud?

BTW studs in the ceiling are called joists.

Which is better truss or beam?

Trusses are more suitable over long spans than solid beams, due to the direction and type of force that they contain. There is a transition point – dictated mostly by span length, and accompanied by loading, where trusses become more efficient than single hoop solutions.

What is the difference between a ceiling joist and a purlin?

There are 2 key differences between joists and purlins: Application: Purlins support roof structures or decks, but rafters support floors and ceilings. Load Transfer: Joists transfer their load to beams or walls, but purlins transfer their load to roof trusses or rafters.

Previous article
Do you go out when cleaner comes?
Next article
What are the disadvantages of pleated air filters?